Movie Review: Crowd steels itself for 'Man of Steel' movie

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- “Man of Steel” premiered at the Cinemark Tinseltown with all the talent and technology deserving of an iconic super hero. Showing in several of their theaters to large crowds at midnight, audiences could choose the unaltered film, 3-D, and 3-D XD.

Produced by Christopher Nolan, the movie is reminiscent of Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” in the Batman series, which he co-wrote, directed, and also produced. The 75th birthday of this story of good versus evil uses all the technology that’s evolved during that period, with unparalleled special effects.

Best known for the TV series, “The Tudors,” Henry Cavill, is well-suited physically for the Superman suit, and adds more dimension to the character than his predecessor, Brandon Routh, in “Superman Returns” (2006). The story is more a prequel, focusing on a young Clark Kent struggling to understand his true identity. The earlier years are depicted in flashbacks in order to provide the audience with the full story, as if that were necessary. So don’t be too impatient while you wait for the ‘man of steel’ to appear in his ‘dress blues’ and red cape.

Why see a remake of an all too familiar tale?

“I hear it’s grittier than previous versions,” said Jeremy Adami, wearing the infamous “S” on his chest while waiting in line. “I want to see what’s different about this version.”

“I just want to see the latest special effects and technology,” said Thomas Jempty, also wearing the iconic logo.

Where does Superman rank among the superheroes?

“He’s the most iconic,” said Jempty.

Justin Thompson and Gohan Wilson, also sporting their Superman T-shirts, said they came to take in the full cinematic experience, opting for the 3-D glasses to view the movie in 3-D XD. Purists in line preferred to view the film in the original, unaltered state.

Good casting always ensures a good movie. In the supporting roles, Amy Adams portrayed Lois Lane as she should…strong willed and determined, but not to the point of ripping the red cape off Superman and doing everything herself. Laurence Fishburne brought a heightened level of sophistication to the role as Perry White, the editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet; more so than his predecessors in previous Superman movies. Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Clark Kent’s Earth parents were genuine and believable, as was Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit). Those from Krypton, appeared somewhat stoic…Jor-el, the ‘man of steel’s’ father (Russell Crowe), and villain, Faora (Antje Traue), but then, they were from another planet. General Zod (Michael Shannon) was the exception.

Henry Cavill does the role of the ‘man of steel’ justice, handling all the emotions required of a true super hero (i.e. anger, compassion, affection, etc.) with exceptional talent. Especially noteworthy, without giving away too much of the plot, is the scene when he loses his Earth father. Cavill did a super job. Look for him to don the super heroe's red cape in a future sequel.

Exit reviews were positive with the word “Awesome” uttered from every person leaving the theater. Among those on hand was Santana Franco, who offered some additional insight that even fans of this iconic super hero may not know.

“Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster launched Superman (also known as Kal-El, originally Kal-L) on April 18, 1938. The character appeared in the June issue of Action Comics #1,” said Franco. “They were Jewish, and they wanted a symbol of hope for the European Jews who were being annihilated by the Nazi regime. I was glad to see that the movie emphasized that the iconic symbol on Superman’s chest meant hope.”

For those who attend movies for the total cinematic experience and not just the movie plot, the musical score was especially noteworthy. Hans Zimmer’s tumultuous score with all its crescendos during battle scenes, shows versatility by allowing the music to deviate when the mood dictates. Simply put, you’re not being blasted out of the theater by the score throughout the whole movie. Let the special effects do that.

One has to marvel at how true-to-life computer imaging is able to produce the cataclysmic scenes, and the level of imagination in conceiving the futuristic technology in the film; all of which are especially incredible in 3-D. Even after 75 years, this classic good-versus-evil story can’t be restated often enough.

The movie is rated PG-13, and contains intense sequences of sci-fi violence and destruction, and some inappropriate language which is minimal. Movie run time: 143 minutes